NEWS RELEASE: State Rep. Howard's filial responsibility bill passes House

H.B. 2094 receives unanimous approval

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    October 22, 2024 | 4:43 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, announced the House unanimously passed her legislation that would modernize filial responsibility laws in Pennsylvania.

Filial responsibility refers to the responsibility family members have to pay for their indigent family member’s obligations, most commonly medical bills. While many states still have these antiquated laws on the books, Pennsylvania stands as the only state enforcing these laws over the past 25 years.

House Bill 2094 would change this, ensuring spouses, children, and parents are only held liable for outstanding medical bills if the indigent person has colluded with the family member to hide assets within the past five years, or if the family member fails to cooperate in the Medical Assistance process.

“It’s a shame that Pennsylvania has accepted its status as an outlier when it comes to filial law,” Howard said. “The commonwealth needs to get caught up to the 21st century and eliminate this antiquated practice. I thank my colleagues in the House for their support and I hope the Senate adds their approval so that this may get signed into law by the governor.”

The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.